Stoke back in talks with Shaqiri, confirms Hughes

The highly-rated Switzerland international, who was thought to have turned down a move to the Potters, was in attendance at the Britannia Stadium on Sunday

Stoke City are back in talks to seal a statement deal to sign Inter winger Xherdan Shaqiri, boss Mark Hughes has confirmed.

The Switzerland international, who was believed to have turned down the chance to join the Potters last month, was spotted at the Britannia Stadium on Sunday as a spectacular late Philippe Coutinho strike saw Liverpool narrowly defeat Hughes’ men.

And after the match the Stoke boss revealed that discussions have restarted with Shaqiri over a possible deal, though he insists no agreement is imminent.

“If we can conclude something, we’ll be delighted. There’s nothing certain when the window’s still open,” he told Sky Sports. “We’ve been close [to an agreement] in the past, so we’ll wait and see.

“It’s a time thing, sometimes you can get things done quickly. I’m always hopeful.”